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Introducing the halophyte Salicornia europaea to investigate combined impact of salt and tidal submergence conditions
Angelina Jordine, Julia Retzlaff, Lina Gens, Brigitta Ehrt, Lisa Fürtauer, Joost T. van Dongen - Volume 51(3)
Differential effects of elevated CO 2 on awn and glume metabolism in durum wheat (Triticum durum)
Guillaume Tcherkez, Sinda Ben Mariem, Iván Jauregui, Luis Larraya, Jose M. García-Mina, Angel M. Zamarreño, Andreas Fangmeier, Iker Aranjuelo - Volume 51(3)
Meta-analysis of transcriptomic profiles in Dunaliella tertiolecta reveals molecular pathway responses to different abiotic stresses
Bahman Panahi, Mohammad Farhadian, Nahid Hosseinzadeh Gharajeh, Seyyed Abolghasem Mohammadi, Mohammad Amin Hejazi - Volume 51(3)
A Bayesian optimization R package for multitrait parental selection
Abstract
Selecting and mating parents in conventional phenotypic and genomic selection are crucial. Plant breeding programs aim to improve the economic value of crops, considering multiple traits simultaneously. When traits are negatively correlated and/or when there are missing records in some traits, selection becomes more complex. To address this problem, we propose a multitrait selection approach using the Multitrait Parental Selection (MPS) R package—an efficient tool for genetic improvement, precision breeding, and conservation genetics. The package employs Bayesian optimization algorithms and three loss functions (Kullback–Leibler, Energy Score, and Multivariate Asymmetric Loss) to identify parental candidates with desirable traits. The software's functionality includes three main functions—EvalMPS, FastMPS, and ApproxMPS—catering to different data availability scenarios. Through the presented application examples, the MPS R package proves effective in multitrait genomic selection, enabling breeders to make informed decisions and achieve strong performance across multiple traits.
Optimization of concentration parameters for maximizing bacteriophage recovery value using response surface methodology: A case study on determining the optimal concentration parameters for Erwinia amylovora EA1T1.B3 phage
Response surface methodology combined with a three-factor central composite design optimized recovery in phage concentration, achieving a maximum recovery rate of 85.37% with 18% PEG, 2.38 M NaCl, and 0 h incubation time.
Abstract
Bacteriophages have emerged as effective antimicrobial agents in combating pathogenic bacteria. To successfully apply phages in real-life scenarios, it is crucial to optimize their large-scale production, concentration and purification processes. In this study, our objective was to optimize the phage concentration parameters with a high recovery rate within a shorter time and minimum chemical consumption. We isolated and characterized a specific Erwinia amylovora phage. Subsequently, we employed response surface methodology (RSM) combined with a three-factor central composite design to optimize the phage recovery. The factors considered were polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentration, NaCl concentration and incubation time. The optimized values for PEG, NaCl and incubation time, which resulted in a maximum recovery rate of 85.37%, were determined as 18%, 2.38 M and 0 h, respectively. This finding indicates that the concentration step, which traditionally took up to 18 h with a recovery rate of 65%, can now be accomplished in a significantly shorter time with an improved recovery rate. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of RSM to identify the optimum conditions for phage precipitation. This approach allows for the rapid and efficient design of precipitation protocols tailored to specific bacteriophages, resulting in shorter processing times and higher recovery rates.
Approaches and progress in breeding drought‐tolerant maize hybrids for tropical lowlands in west and central Africa
Abstract
Drought represents a significant production challenge to maize farmers in West and Central Africa, causing substantial economic losses. Breeders at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture have therefore been developing drought-tolerant maize varieties to attain high grain yields in rainfed maize production zones. The present review provides a historical overview of the approaches used and progress made in developing drought-tolerant hybrids over the years. Breeders made a shift from a wide area testing approach, to the use of managed screening sites, to precisely control the intensity, and timing of drought stress for developing drought-tolerant maize varieties. These sites coupled with the use of molecular markers allowed choosing suitable donors with drought-adaptive alleles for integration into existing elite maize lines to generate new drought-tolerant inbred lines. These elite maize inbred lines have then been used to develop hybrids with enhanced tolerance to drought. Genetic gains estimates were made using performance data of drought-tolerant maize hybrids evaluated in regional trials for 11 years under managed drought stress, well-watered conditions, and across diverse rainfed environments. The results found significant linear annual yield gains of 32.72 kg ha−1 under managed drought stress, 38.29 kg ha−1 under well-watered conditions, and 66.57 kg ha−1 across multiple rainfed field environments. Promising hybrids that deliver high grain yields were also identified for areas affected by drought and variable rainfed growing conditions. The significant genetic correlations found among the three growing conditions highlight the potential to exploit the available genetic resources and modern tools to further enhance tolerance to drought in hybrids.
Effect of sugarcane residue management (pre-harvest burning versus green cane retention) on soil organic carbon fractions and aggregate stability in Umbric Rhodic Ferralsols
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Variability of soil characteristics around an active volcano, Mt. Mayon in the Philippines with special reference to the distance and direction from the crater
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Diversity of Colletotrichum causing anthracnose on Psidium guajava in varied Brazilian physiographic regions
Guava-derived Colletotrichum isolates from Brazil were found in 16 species and 5 complexes, with the gloeosporioides complex as the most prevalent and aggressive. Species were distributed according to the physiographic regions.
Abstract
Anthracnose, caused by several Colletotrichum species, is a major restricting factor for guava production, but no comprehensive study of the causal agent has been conducted from the plant host centre of diversity. This work characterizes isolates from guava, mainly from the fruit, but also leaves and flowers, representing most Brazilian physiographies according to the partial sequences of the rDNA-ITS, ApMAT, TUB2, HIS3 and GAPDH gene regions. In addition, the pathogenicity and aggressiveness to fruits of two widely planted guava varieties (SLG and RM) are described. Guava-derived Colletotrichum isolates were found in five complexes: gloeosporioides, acutatum, boninense, gigasporum and orchidearum. The gloeosporioides complex was the most prevalent (81%), followed by the acutatum complex (14%). A total of 16 Colletotrichum species were naturally associated with guava anthracnose: C. aeschynomenes, C. asianum, C. chrysophilum, C. fructicola, C. gigasporum, C. gloeosporioides, C. karsti, C. melonis, C. musae, C. nymphaeae, C. paranaense, C. siamense, C. sojae, C. syzygicola, C. theobromicola and C. tropicale. Apart from C. nymphaeae and C. gloeosporioides, all the remaining 14 taxa are reported for the first time in P. guajava. The most aggressive species belonged to the C. gloeosporioides complex. C. siamense was the most prevalent, especially in warmer regions, followed by C. chrysophilum, mostly in temperate environments. The most aggressive species were C. siamense, C. chrysophilum, C. fructicola and C. tropicale. Fruits of the variety SLG were consistently more resistant to anthracnose than the fruits of RM.